Page 21 of Forbidden Professor

“Whatever you do, my dad is a die-hard chiefs fan. So, even if you aren’t a fan of them, just act like you are. Brownie points. My mom, she loves to bake, but sometimes she misses the mark.” Isla said, opening the door to get out and smiling back at me.

“Mom! Dad! We made it. You guys really did the yard up this year.” They both went straight in for a hug.

I stood idly by, not knowing exactly what to do. Was I supposed to hug them to? Did they want that?

“This is my boyfriend Easton Sharp.”

Her dad’s face went blank, looking at me up and down, and then laughed. “Just kidding, son. Come here. It’s nice to finally meet you. We weren’t sure she was ever going to find anyone.”

Isla wasn’t close with her parents, but obviously they knew about her dating life. Or the lack thereof since college. And they remembered me. Or what Isla had told them about me.

“Yeah, things have definitely changed since college. Thank you for having me.” I shook his hand and then unloaded the bags from the back to carry inside.

Isla and her mother were talking, whispering, and it was safe to assume, whatever it was, was about me, because her mom was looking right at me.

“You know, Christmas is a big deal in our house. So, hope you are a lover. I’m sure Isla warned you all about it.”

Oh, god. I wasn’t sure what she meant by that. What did I get myself into here?

Isla’s eyes got big and then she grabbed my hand to lead me inside their place. It was just as festive inside as out.

“You have a beautiful home, Mrs. Madden.”

“Thank you, honey. Isla will show you were to put your luggage. Upstairs.”

I thought it would weird staying at her parents house, but maybe it would be a good way to show her parents how right for each other we were.

She opened the door and shooed me inside. “Don’t let them intimidate you. It’s all in good fun. I’ll see you downstairs.”

I laid the baggage down on the floor and walked to the window, taking in the snow covered streets and the kids building snowmen in their yards. One day, I hoped to have children to do things like that with and with Isla by my side.

It’s Christmas morning and kids were out playing with their new bikes and whatever else they got. I hadn’t given Isla her gift yet. The right time hadn’t passed yet.

But it’s coming…

Isla

My parents were going to intimidate him a little bit. What parents didn’t. They knew how much I loved Easton even before he showed back in my life. I might not have told Easton until recently why we broke up, but my parents both knew. They agreed that I was doing the right thing for both of our futures.

“He’s even cuter now,” my mother said.

“Mom!”

“What? It’s true. Her grew up. No denying that, honey. All that matters is that you are happy.” She rubbed my check.

My dad wasn’t always very fond of my dating anyone. You know, the typical dad who wanted his daughter to be single until she was thirty. He wanted me to focus on my career first and foremost. When I started dating Easton in college, he tried to talk me out of it, but it didn’t work.

“I still think you did the right thing sweetheart. Now, look. He’s back in your life and you haven’t stopped smiling since you pulled up.”

I couldn’t help it. After all those years apart, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that he would waltz right back in. And on top of that, we would be able to go back to being us like no time had passed.

“I put our stuff up in the dresser, babe.” Easton said, walking down the stairs.

“What a gentleman. Lunch will be ready in about half an hour and then we can get to know you a little more. We only know what she has told us.”

Easton laughed and took a seat at the island watching my mom make the last touches on the meal.

“Ask me anything.”

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